20 May 2026, 14:40Nicola McLarenSouth Downs Road, South Downs National Park, Lewes, BN7 2WZ, United Kingdom
Connection in the Countryside: Couples’ Hike and Marriage Seminar Builds Lasting Bonds
Highlights a Family Ministries day from Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Downs, where ten couples enjoyed a group hike followed by a practical marriage-enrichment seminar led by Pastor Chihwayi. It captures the key themes of intentional investment in marriage, communication, quality time, and protecting the couple’s bond, reinforced through a fun low-cost activities challenge and a clear encouragement for couples to keep nurturing their relationships beyond the event.
Ten couples from Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church brought the South Downs to life on Sunday, 17 May, as they stepped away from routine and into nature’s classroom. Birdsong blended with laughter, conversation, and the steady footfall of those who had chosen to participate in this event specially organised by the Family Ministries Department. What began as a casual hike quickly became a space for reconnection, reflection, renewed affection, and commitment.
Later in the afternoon, the group gathered for a seminar led by Pastor Chihwayi—affectionately known as ‘the marriage doctor’. His session centred on the idea that happy marriages are not by chance, but by consistent, intentional investment. He explored practical ways for husbands and wives to strengthen their bond, including effective communication, prioritising quality time, and protecting the marital circle by ensuring outside influences do not intrude on the sacred space shared by two partners.
To deepen the learning, Pastor Chihwayi separated husbands and wives for a lively challenge: each group was tasked with identifying 22 activities that could be done for £2 or less. The exercise sparked creativity and debate, highlighting that meaningful connection does not depend on extravagant spending but on shared intention. Once the lists were created, couples discussed how to prioritise these activities—an exercise that revealed personal preferences, differing expectations, and opportunities for compromise.
The session concluded with “homework”: couples were encouraged to take responsibility for nurturing their own marriages, using the day’s insights as a springboard for growth. Many also took the opportunity to purchase Pastor Chihwayi’s books to continue their learning at home.
The event was more than a hike; it was a reminder that marriage thrives when couples step away from the noise and take time out for each other. The Family Ministries Team has already begun planning future activities to build on this momentum and continue supporting couples in the church community.
Highlights a Family Ministries day from Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Downs, where ten couples enjoyed a group hike followed by a practical marriage-enrichment seminar led by Pastor Chihwayi. It captures the key themes of intentional investment in marriage, communication, quality time, and protecting the couple’s bond, reinforced through a fun low-cost activities challenge and a clear encouragement for couples to keep nurturing their relationships beyond the event.
Ten couples from Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church brought the South Downs to life on Sunday, 17 May, as they stepped away from routine and into nature’s classroom. Birdsong blended with laughter, conversation, and the steady footfall of those who had chosen to participate in this event specially organised by the Family Ministries Department. What began as a casual hike quickly became a space for reconnection, reflection, renewed affection, and commitment.
Later in the afternoon, the group gathered for a seminar led by Pastor Chihwayi—affectionately known as ‘the marriage doctor’. His session centred on the idea that happy marriages are not by chance, but by consistent, intentional investment. He explored practical ways for husbands and wives to strengthen their bond, including effective communication, prioritising quality time, and protecting the marital circle by ensuring outside influences do not intrude on the sacred space shared by two partners.
To deepen the learning, Pastor Chihwayi separated husbands and wives for a lively challenge: each group was tasked with identifying 22 activities that could be done for £2 or less. The exercise sparked creativity and debate, highlighting that meaningful connection does not depend on extravagant spending but on shared intention. Once the lists were created, couples discussed how to prioritise these activities—an exercise that revealed personal preferences, differing expectations, and opportunities for compromise.
The session concluded with “homework”: couples were encouraged to take responsibility for nurturing their own marriages, using the day’s insights as a springboard for growth. Many also took the opportunity to purchase Pastor Chihwayi’s books to continue their learning at home.
The event was more than a hike; it was a reminder that marriage thrives when couples step away from the noise and take time out for each other. The Family Ministries Team has already begun planning future activities to build on this momentum and continue supporting couples in the church community.
